-In Koffa’s Bill of Information
By Jerromie S: Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – As Liberia faces a pivotal legal and political moment, former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor appeals to the Honorable Supreme Court Justices—particularly its women members—urging them to rule with wisdom, impartiality, and courage on House Speaker Fonati Koffa’s controversial Bill of Information.
In a statement laden with historical and biblical resonance, Madam Howard-Taylor—a lawyer and member of the Supreme Court Bar—framed the Court’s impending decision as a defining test for Liberia’s democracy. “The eyes of the nation—and indeed, of history—are upon you,” she asserted. “Not only because of the matters before you, but because of the collective hope that justice in Liberia will be blind, impartial, and swift.”
Addressing the Justices directly, Howard-Taylor praised their stewardship of the law while reminding them of their profound responsibility. “Today, more than ever, we appeal to your conscience, your wisdom, and your legacy—to rule justly, in full accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic,” she stated.
Her message carried an implicit warning: that the Court’s decision would either reinforce public trust in Liberia’s judiciary or deepen skepticism in a nation still grappling with governance challenges. Drawing parallels to the biblical Judge Deborah, who led Israel through turmoil with unwavering resolve, Howard-Taylor framed the Justices’ role as one of historic significance.
“Like Deborah, you—our Honorable Justices—are called to rise in times of uncertainty,” she said. “Her leadership brought victory, and her wisdom brought peace for forty years. Today, Liberia finds itself at a defining moment, and history will not forget those who choose principle overpressure, truth over silence, and justice over politics.”
Madam Howard-Taylor’s statement comes as Liberia’s political landscape remains deeply polarized. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Koffa’s petition could set a critical precedent—either reinforcing judicial independence or fueling perceptions of partisan influence. Recently, it was reported that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was allegedly engaging with embattled Speaker Koffa and other members of the House of Representatives, after reportedly discovering that the high court’s decision doesn’t favor Representative Richard Nagbe Koon.
“We believe in your ability to rise above external influence,” she asserted, “and stand firmly for what is right and fair—for the sake of our democracy, the sustenance of our peace, and to affirm to the Liberian people that our justice system is one of integrity,” former VP Taylor.
The Hearing and impasse
On March 26, 2025, the Supreme Court reserved its ruling in a bill of information earlier filed by embattled Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, following a hearing the same day. The high court, through the Chief Justice, demanded security provisions for justices ahead of the final decision.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court frowned on actions by the Majority Bloc of the House of Representatives, and what it considered their defiance of judicial orders and constitutional procedures in the ongoing battle to unseat Speaker J. Fonati Koffa.
“Where he, Speaker Koffa, is still sitting, and you open a parallel session, it can create chaos,” declared Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh during a hearing on Wednesday on a Bill of Information filed by Koffa’s legal team.
When the majority bloc lawyers argued that more than 50 lawmakers voted to oust Koffa, the Chief Justice noted: “You can increase to hundred. We are saying, we have said and we say it again… you can be thousand but we say at the time of that petition.” The Chief Justice emphasized: “What made you go and designate another speaker when there was already a designated speaker when this court spoke?”
The case marks a critical juncture in a five-month legislative crisis that has paralyzed governance, triggered violent clashes, and drawn international concern. At the heart of the dispute is the Majority Bloc’s persistent push to remove Koffa through contested sessions—actions the Supreme Court had previously ruled “ultra vires” (beyond legal authority).
Chief Justice Yuoh and Associate Justices unanimously reinforced that legislative proceedings—including speaker removal—must meet strict constitutional thresholds: a quorum of 49 representatives and presidency by the elected Speaker.
Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay stressed that while the Court cannot dictate legislative actions, it must ensure compliance with the law. Justice D. Kaba openly questioned the Majority Bloc’s legal footing, while Justice Wolokollie warned that flouting procedures sets a “dangerous precedent” for future governance.
Majority Bloc’s Defense Crumbles
Representing the Majority Bloc, Cllr. Varney Sherman argued that lawmakers could convene without the Speaker—a claim swiftly dismissed by the Court. Chief Justice Yuoh countered: ”Why hold parallel sessions when the constitutionally elected Speaker remains in office?”
The justices also noted the broader implication of the crisis: 16 suspended lawmakers, disrupted representation, and escalating tensions, including security forces targeting opposition members.
The turmoil erupted on October 17, 2024, when dissident lawmakers attempted to oust Koffa, later electing Richard Nagbe Koon as rival Speaker on November 21. Despite the Supreme Court invalidating Koon’s faction, the Executive Branch and Senate controversially endorsed it, deepening institutional chaos.
